Woman admits dealing cocaine from mom's condo

A number of condo residents in a Sault Ste. Marie building complained to police about dubious activities in their building they suspected were tied to dealing drugs, a judge heard Monday.

Their suspicions centred on a woman, who resided there with her elderly mother, and was observed making several quick exchanges with unknown persons, federal prosecutor Ben Pritchard said.

The residents also reported encountering individuals in the building's common areas under the influence of substances, he told Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn.

Drug enforcement officers began a surveillance operation on June 4, and arrested Kelly Keller about a week later.

Before the June 12 arrest, they observed her on several occasions placing something in cement pots, then leaving, and other people coming in to take the items, Pritchard said.

On the day Keller was picked up, she was meeting with a man, who handed her a folder of money, and she gave him a package.

Officers located $150 and 1.5 grams of cocaine in six separate bags on Keller.

The man, who also was arrested, dropped a package of cocaine on the ground.

Keller, 55, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Dunn accepted a joint prosecution and defence submission for a suspended sentence, and placed Keller on probation for three years.

Lawyer Jessica Belisle said her client is remorseful, understands what she has done is wrong and doesn't want to continue her lifestyle.

"She was selling for her addiction. She wasn't gaining monetary value."

Since her arrest Keller has been on methadone, is taking medication for bipolar disorder and is seeking counselling to address grief and addiction issues, Belisle said.

As well, she and her mother have moved to another residence.

When she imposed the sentence, Dunn noted it was the result of a judicial pre-trial where all the factors had been discussed.

"I have no hesitation going along with this."

During her probation, Keller must undergo any recommended counselling and assessments, and stay away from the Macdonald Avenue building where she lived at the time of the offence.

The judge also prohibited her from possessing weapons for 10 years.

"I hope you thanked your mother for standing by you," she told Keller.

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